New hospital a step closer

March 12, 2019

By Evelyn Leckie

A NEW community hospital in Whittlesea is progressing, with Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green chairing a community consultation committee process in coming weeks.

The ‘expression of interest’ process will soon open to appoint a committee of 15 representatives from the community and key organisations will form to ensure the hospital meets particular needs of locals.

Construction on the hospital is expected to start in 2022 and finish by 2024. The State Government last week announced a $75 million investment to build or upgrade 10 new community hospitals close to major growth areas such as the City of Whittlesea, Craigieburn, Cranbourne, Pakenham, Phillip Island, Sunbury, Torquay, Eltham, Point Cook and Fishermans Bend.

Northern Health will manage the hospital in the City of Whittlesea, offering services including general practice, pathology and imaging, family and early childhood, family safety, community mental health and alcohol and drug assessment.

The hospital will improve access to specialist services like day surgery, chemotherapy, community-based palliative care, chronic disease management and public dental.

Ms Green said she was looking forward to working with passionate people interested in being part of the Whittlesea Community Hospital advisory group. “When a loved one gets sick, people want to know that the very best care is nearby. A Whittlesea community hospital will improve access to the care our local growing community needs,” Ms Green said.